Sex Determination in Bees (Apinae)

SUMMARYInbred lines of 7 species of social bees were studied, and checked for the presence of diploid male larvae: 7 lines of Apis mellifera, and 15 of Meliponini, representing 6 species. In 3 lines of Apis mellifera showing 50% viability, the non-surviving larvae were males, but diploid males could have some female-like characters. None of the species of Meliponini showed 50% mortality of brood, or 50% diploid males. The bearing of these results on the theory of sex determination in Apinae is discussed.